Chapter 20: Tsuji Castle

Soul blood is an incredibly precious thing to a cultivator. Once it is handed over, it means surrendering their very life; the one who possesses the soul blood can take their life at will if they so desire.

Ordinary cultivators would never part with their soul blood unless absolutely forced. But now was one of those desperate times.

As the carriage departed the War God Temple, Fang Zhiyi saw the endless crowds lined up at the entrance, a sea of people. All of them had come willingly to join the War God Temple, or perhaps out of fear of Fang Zhiyi herself. But she paid no mind—once these people handed over their soul blood, there would be no room for regret.

The carriage moved swiftly.

Tengjia City was a settlement built by northern cultivation clans. It housed Nascent Soul-level experts and had long held a prestigious reputation among cultivators. There was a strict rule within Tengjia City forbidding any fighting within its walls.

The progenitor of the Teng family, Teng Xingsen, upheld these laws vigilantly. Once, when two Golden Core-level experts fought in the city, Teng Xingsen intervened and eliminated them both as a warning to others.

Since then, no one dared cause trouble inside Tengjia City.

Fang Zhiyi glanced at the letter in her hand. After reading it, she let out a light chuckle and burned it without leaving a trace.

“Teng Xingsen, I want to see whether this matter has anything to do with your Teng family.”

...

The specks on the ground grew closer.

Tengjia City was now just within reach.

Looking at it, Tengjia City resembled more of a town than a city—small in size but bustling with people.

As their long-time enemy drew nearer, Wang Lin clenched his fists tighter, burning with a desire to descend and wipe out everyone in the Teng family.

Every grievance has its cause; every debt has its debtor. Grudges in the cultivation world should not involve mortals. If there was enmity, it should be resolved with him, Wang Lin. Yet, the Teng family had dragged the Wang family into it.

Therefore, Wang Lin would not let the Teng family off so easily.

The carriage stopped at the gates of Tengjia City, where two disciples stood distributing passes.

Wang Lin presented the War God Temple’s token to the disciple at the gate.

They must have known the news early on. Seeing the War God Temple’s token, their gaze shifted toward Tang Nian, their faces serious yet obsequious.

“Elder Fang, you have arrived.”

One of them stepped forward while the other saluted and hurried inside.

At that moment, cultivators preparing to enter Tengjia City paused, curious about the carriage and the richly dressed Fang Zhiyi aboard.

Tengjia City had always been proud to the extreme, looking down on others. Yet now, their demeanor seemed tinged with servility.

Who exactly was this visitor?

This was no longer the Xuannu Kingdom, and the War God Temple’s name was not so widely known. Fang Zhiyi had been absent for many years, and many had gradually forgotten her existence.

Soon, the disciple who had gone inside returned, followed by a familiar figure.

It was none other than Tengjia City’s lord, Teng Huayuan.

Everyone looked on in surprise but kept their distance from the carriage, wary of disturbing him.

Teng Huayuan hurried forward, his wrinkled old face full of reverence.

At this moment, Wang Lin saw no trace of disdain on his face, the usual expression he wore toward juniors.

Such was the cultivation world—strength was everything.

If he had possessed the abilities Fang Zhiyi had back then, perhaps the Wang family would not have ended up in such a state.

Fang Zhiyi ignored Teng Huayuan, giving him only a sidelong glance before striding directly into Tengjia City as if he did not exist. Perhaps she simply did not consider him worth her attention.

Teng Huayuan’s expression stiffened but quickly recovered, donning a flattering smile once more.

He dared not offend her, nor could Tengjia City afford to.

Wang Lin’s hatred flared the moment he saw Teng Huayuan, but for Fang Zhiyi’s sake, he suppressed it.

Clenching his fists tightly and lowering his head, he walked swiftly forward like Fang Zhiyi, not sparing Teng Huayuan a glance.

Teng Huayuan’s face darkened, his gaze fixed on Wang Lin.

Fang Zhiyi was one thing—a Nascent Soul cultivator he dared not provoke. But who was this man behind her, to act so brazenly?

Teng Huayuan waved his hand and gave a signal to an attendant beside him, who soon vanished without a trace.

Fang Zhiyi walked through Tengjia City, which was lively and bustling. Along the green stone-paved streets, cultivators passed by in endless streams.

Street vendors called out their wares in various tones, making the city seem like a good place to live.

But sadly, Fang Zhiyi had come to destroy this place. No matter who had struck that day, she would not let them go.

A flash of ruthless resolve crossed Fang Zhiyi’s eyes.

At that moment, Teng Huayuan hurried to catch up, smiling, “Elder Fang, your visit truly honors Tengjia City.”

“You should stay at my residence. Give me a chance—I will take good care of you.”

Fang Zhiyi did not even glance at Teng Huayuan.

“When does this month’s trade fair begin?” she asked calmly.

Teng Huayuan understood immediately, “Elder Fang, the trade fair starts the day after tomorrow.”

Fang Zhiyi nodded slightly, her gaze falling on Wang Lin, who gripped his sword hilt tightly beside her.

“Follow me.”

“Yes, Master—”

Tengjia City was protected by an array formation that nullified spellcasting within its boundaries. But this formation had no effect on Fang Zhiyi.

Guided by her, they flew swiftly on their swords to the city’s finest inn and requested two adjoining superior rooms.

At this moment, cultivators throughout Tengjia City stared wide-eyed.

“Did you see that? Something just passed by.”

“I saw it—two people.”

“Damn, spellcasting isn’t allowed in Tengjia City. How are they flying?”

“Yeah, it’s been a while and the city lord hasn’t come to punish them. Could they be peerless experts?”

“Probably. To act so recklessly, they must fear no one in Tengjia City.”

“This city might be on the verge of upheaval. We’d better leave soon.”

...

For many years, Teng Huayuan had been the lord, always the one others fawned over. He had never needed to flatter anyone else.

But because of Fang Zhiyi, he dared not lose his temper.

He took a deep breath and said, “Remove all those watching them.”